Prevalence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in foods and food-producing animals through the food chain: A worldwide systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available scientific evidence on the prevalence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from foods and food-producing animals, the mobile colistin-resistant genes involved, and the impact of the associated variables. A systematic review was carried out in databases according to selection criteria and search strategies established a priori. Random‐effect meta‐analysis models were fitted to estimate the prevalence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli and to identify the factors associated with the outcome. In general, 4.79% (95% CI: 3.98%–5.76%) of the food and food-producing animal samples harbored colistin-resistant Escherichia coli (total number of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli/total number of samples), while 5.70% (95% confidence interval: 4.97%–6.52%) of the E. coli strains isolated from food and food-producing animal samples harbored colistin resistance (total number of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli/total number of Escherichia coli isolated samples). The prevalence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli increased over time (P 50%). The prevalence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli and the mobile colistin resistance-1 gene has a strong impact on the entire food chain. The high prevalence estimated in the retail market represents a potential risk for consumers' health. There is an urgent need to implement based-evidence risk management measures under the “One Health” approach to guarantee public health, food safety, and a sustainable future.

Keywords

• Colistin resistance
• Escherichia coli
• Foods and food-producing animals
• Meta-analysis
• Prevalence
• mcr gene